Kansas City’s $800 Million GO Bond: The Infrastructure Projects Powering the City’s Growth

In 2017, Kansas City voters approved an ambitious $800 million General Obligation (GO) bond, setting in motion a decade-long investment strategy focused on rebuilding and modernizing the city’s core infrastructure. Since approval, city officials have advanced a wide range of projects aimed at strengthening neighborhoods, improving mobility, and enhancing public amenities.

In its first year, the City Council authorized $44.6 million in projects—slightly above the initial $40 million planned—demonstrating a proactive and strategic commitment to delivering visible, long-term improvements.

While these projects may not always grab headlines, they form the backbone of Kansas City’s quality of life, economic competitiveness, and future growth.

Transparency & Community Engagement

To maintain public trust, Kansas City provides an annual GO Bond Report Card, outlining progress on completed, current, and upcoming initiatives.

Residents can also explore real-time project updates through the GO KC Project Explorer, an interactive map that catalogs every GO bond project across the city—from sidewalk repairs to major roadwork and civic facility upgrades. This tool ensures transparency while giving citizens a clear view of the infrastructure investments shaping Kansas City’s future.

Key Year-One Infrastructure Investments

The first year of GO bond funding launched a diverse portfolio of high-impact projects across public safety, transportation, parks, cultural assets, and neighborhood revitalization. Below is a modern, streamlined summary of these foundational improvements:

New Animal Shelter – $7 Million

A state-of-the-art facility in Swope Park designed to elevate animal care, expand adoption services, and strengthen community programming.

Sidewalk Repairs & ADA Curb Ramps – $7.5 Million

Significant investments addressing long-overdue sidewalk replacements and accessibility upgrades across Kansas City’s neighborhoods.

Kansas City Museum Upgrades – $4 Million

Critical renovations modernizing one of the city’s premier cultural institutions.

Beacon Hill Road Improvements – $3.7 Million

Roadway enhancements supporting safety, connectivity, and ongoing development in a rapidly growing urban district.

Paseo Gateway Development – $3.5 Million

Infrastructure support for one of Kansas City’s most transformative mixed-income, mixed-use redevelopment initiatives.

135th Street Expansion – $3 Million

Improvements enhancing traffic flow and supporting continued growth in south Kansas City.

Prospect MAX Bus Local Match – $2.5 Million

Funding Kansas City’s high-frequency transit corridor, improving mobility and transit equity.

Fountain Renovations – $1.5 Million

Restoration of the Delbert Haff and Spirit of Freedom fountains, reinforcing the city’s identity as the “City of Fountains.”

Broadway Traffic Synchronization – $900,000

Upgraded signal timing supporting smoother traffic movement along a key north–south corridor.

Paseo Bridge Repairs Over Brush Creek – $600,000

Essential maintenance improving bridge safety and service life.

Additional Year-One Projects

• North Oak Trafficway Design – $1.18 Million

• Starlight Theatre ADA Upgrades – $1.1 Million

• Wornall Road Design (85th–89th St.) – $680,000

• 22nd/23rd Street Upgrades – $1.2 Million

• Beardsley Road Landslide Repair – $75,000

• Marlborough Neighborhood Infrastructure – $2.25 Million

• Maplewoods Parkway Design & ROW Acquisition – $1.7 Million

Investment Insights: What This Means for Kansas City’s Future

Kansas City’s GO bond investments represent more than infrastructure improvements—they signal a strengthened foundation for sustained growth and opportunity. As these upgrades continue, they support:

✔ Residential Development

Improved mobility, safety, and neighborhood appeal contribute to rising housing demand and property values.

✔ Commercial Expansion

Enhanced accessibility and upgraded public infrastructure create favorable conditions for retail, office, industrial, and service-sector growth.

✔ Long-Term Economic Resilience

Modernized civic assets attract talent, employers, and visitors—positioning Kansas City as a competitive, future-ready metropolitan area.

All rights to the original material belong to the City of Kansas City, Missouri.